Insect pollination and self-planting seed dispersal strategy in the true viviparous mangrove tree species Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Robinson (Rhizophoraceae)

Authors

  • K.H. Jonathan
  • A.J.S. Raju

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1854.133-40

Abstract

Ceriops tagal is a seaward and high salt-tolerant specialist mangrove species. It flowers during the winter season. The flowers have an explosive pollen release mechanism and are adapted for tripping by flies and honey bees. The tripped flowers achieve self or cross-pollination. High winds can also trip flowers, but this only contributes to autogamy. The plant is viviparous; most propagules fall off and settle near the mother plant. We have observed that such propagules do not show healthy growth, hence the establishment of successive offspring in the same habitat is doubtful. These results suggest that C. tagal requires introduction of propagules from other mangrove forests to promote gene flow and maintain sufficient genetic diversity for the successful establishment and expansion of populations.

Author Biographies

K.H. Jonathan

K. Henry Jonathan is working as Senior Research Fellow from 2005 in a MoEF Research Project on Mangroves. He has registered for Ph.D. on Mangroves under Dr. Raju. He has published several research papers and has contributed articles on Eastern Ghats.

A.J.S. Raju

Dr. A.J. Solomon Raju is currently working as Associate Professor in the Department of Environment. He is the recipient of several national and international awards. He has more than 250 research papers in international and national Journals. He is on the editorial board of several international journals. He is presently working on the reproductive biology of mangrove plants and endemic and endangered plant species in the Eastern Ghats forests with financial support from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, DST and CSIR.

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Published

26-03-2009

Issue

Vol 1, No 3 (2009)

Section

Articles

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